Published
Article written by
/2021/12/14/61b8b98e077d1_france-2.png)
Monday, May 30, while the war in Ukraine has lasted for more than three months, 25 million tons of cereals are blocked in the country. With the sea controlled by the Russians, Ukraine’s allies are considering other options.
In Ukraine, 25 million tons of cereals have been blocked since the start of the war, which began more than three months ago. “Russia uses wheat as a weapon, as a weapon of war”, assures Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. While Russia controls the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, Ukrainian wheat, 95% of which transits by sea, can no longer be exported.
One option is freight through Poland, but this is minimal. “Compared to a boat, we are on quantities that are negligible”, assures Arthur Portier, consultant at Agritel. Another passage is possible through Romania, by river or by train, but this operation is complex. Another route via Belarus is envisaged, but it would be necessary to negotiate with this ally of Russia. “It’s very delicate because we imposed sanctions on Belarus for something else”, recalls Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg. Westerners plan to escort grain ships and find an agreement with Russia.